The “Gay? Fine by me” week’s goal to promote support and recognition for the gay community here at DU was held last week.

The campaign was started at Duke University in 2003 when students created the “Gay? Fine by me” T-shirts and wore them on a certain day to express anti-homophobic sentiments. Since then, the idea has spread across the nation and DU became an active participant in 2004.

The week, which is put on by several on-campus organizations, including the QLBTIQ and QSA, consisted of several activities. There was a showing of the film “But I’m a Cheerleader,” followed by a discussion with international student advisor Zawdie Ekundayo. The movie and discussion attracted about 30 students. The following day, the “High Tea for Allies” took place, where staff, faculty and students were honored for their support of the DU gay population.

“We wanted people to come out and support the gay community, but also to understand the stigma of that word and concept,” said committee member Melissa Martinez.

An upcoming event connected to the “Gay? Fine by me” campaign is the Safe Zone training. Safe Zone gives background information on the struggles of the gay community. At the end of the training session, those involved have the opportunity to sign an agreement and receive a sticker that declares them a safe person for minority individuals to talk to.

“We hope for less discrimination and equal rights,” commented graduate student, Tamarae Ellis, “In a perfect world we wouldn’t have to put on an awareness program because it wouldn’t be an issue.”